Latest News
Join us THIS WEDNESDAY for the "What is Austin? VISION HOUR" at City Hall
Liveable City urges vote to address critical school needs
On June 14, Liveable City urged the Austin Independent School District (AISD) to consider a November 2010 tax ratification election to provide urgently needed funding for teacher salaries, pre-K and facilities maintenance with the goal of ensuring a strong public school system for Austin.
More info »
Read full resolution (PDF) »
To support a November funding vote, email AISD at: and
7th Annual Liveable Vision Awards
Over 150 supporters attended the 7th Annual Liveable Vision Awards, a celebration that recognizes people, organizations and community efforts that have measurably improved life in Austin. Guests included representatives from five dynamic organizations who were honored this year as well as many community activists, volunteers, elected officials, individuals and businesses.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell joined us to present the Vision Award for "Economy" to the Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA). Sarah Eckhardt, Travis Co. Commissioner, Pct. 2, served as our emcee for the 3rd year and introduced the winners. In addition to the AIBA, others recognized were Franklin Gardens/Chestnut Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation, the Sustainable Food Center, Texhealth Central Texas and Sunflowers — An Electric Garden.
Thanks for a fabulous time!
Liveable City's annual Holiday Party
was a huge success...
Many thanks to our great guests who lit up El Sol y La Luna, as well as our wonderful silent auction donors.
Check out photos and more at Michael Barnes' blog (Austin360) »
Comp Plan 101:
Beer and Basics with Liveable City
It was a packed house at Scholz's on July 8th for Liveable City's Comp Plan 101: Community Social & Think Fest. Despite steamy temperatures, a standing-room-only crowd turned out for a preview of the process that will lead to Austin's new Comprehensive Plan - a plan that may shape our community for years to come.
LC Board Member John-Michael Cortez kicked off the night with Comprehensive Plan basics, including what a plan can and can't do. Special guest Garner Stoll, Assistant Director of the city's Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department, then sketched the expected timeline for developing Austin's plan and fielded questions from an engaged crowd. Next up was LC Board Member Mark Yznaga, who offered an overview of successful comprehensive plans in other cities (believe it or not, even Dallas is ahead of us in the Comp Plan game). Finally, LC Advisory Member Tara Kirkland wrapped up the program, leading attendees in a group brainstorming session.
As with most LC events, conversation continued well into the evening over beverages and complimentary snacks, with die-hard schmoozers still debating key points as Scholz's staff cleaned up around them.
Review the night's info or catch up on what you missed at the below links. And be sure to stay tuned as Liveable City hosts more events and speakers throughout the Comprehensive Plan process.
View Garner Stoll's power point »
View Liveable City's power point and a summary of attendees' ideas »
2009 Liveable Vision Awards
Over 150 Austinites gathered at Mexican American Cultural Center on May 20 to celebrate Liveable City's 2009 Vision Awards. Winners were honored in categories representing the "5 E's of Sustainability" that support a livable community. Many thanks to our sponsors! Read more here.
- Economy: Foundation Communities' Community Tax Centers. Last year, these free tax preparation centers helped over 17,000 low-income taxpayers get back more than $20 million in rightfully-earned refunds, providing a vital boost for Austin's working families, as well as our local economy
- Engagement: Red Salmon Arts/Resistencia Bookstore. Carrying on the spirit of its late founder Raul Salinas, this Austin treasure continues to draw diverse crowds for political forums and activities featuring progressive writers, human rights activists, indigenous artists and other important voices.
- Environment: Shudde Fath and Save Barton Creek Association. In tireless efforts spanning 27 years, these environmental champions have worked to protect that which sustains us all - the six watersheds of the Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.
- Equity: PeopleTrust. An offshoot of PeopleFund, PeopleTrust has pioneered a shared equity program that helps working families secure affordable homes and build wealth, while ensuring a continued stock of affordable housing in Austin.
- Esthetics: Theatre Action Project (TAP). Using theater and visual arts, TAP works in Austin's public schools to spark kids' creativity while helping them develop tools to address real-life problems like bullying, discrimination and illiteracy.
Click to enlarge. Photos courtesy of Greg Brooks.
Picking a Comprehensive Plan Team: Liveable City Leads Effort for Informed Choice
Click here to read resolution.
Liveable City Releases Study of Austin's Economic Development Strategy and Incentive Programs
Liveable City, an Austin non-profit working to protect the quality of life of the people of Austin, today released a first of its kind report examining economic development strategy and use of public incentives in Austin.
The report questions where Austin's economic development strategy comes from, how it is implemented, and what institutions shape our economic development policies and programs. Focusing on tax incentives and how they fit into broader economic development activities, the study examines why incentives are used, how much the city is giving, and what the taxpayers are getting from the public investment. The study also identifies reforms needed to create a unified, sustainable economic strategy, embraced by the community, to better position Austin for future economic challenges and opportunities.
Entitled, Building a More Sustainable Economy: Economic Development Strategy and Public Incentives in Austin, the study was authored by economist Michael Oden, a professor in the Community and Regional Planning Department at the University of Texas at Austin.
What does Liveable City stand for?
Affordable housing strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods.
Better transportation including improved bikeways, roads and rail.
A clean environment protecting the aquifer, our parks and open spaces
Fair public investment policies that keep taxes low.
Economic opportunity providing equitable job distribution and wages
Thriving local businesses keeping dollars spent in Austin invested in Austin
Social equity with access to quality health care, education and a sense of safety for all of Austin.
Community initiatives currently supported by Liveable City
* Housing Works
* Transportation Initiative
* Solar Austin
* Austin Full Circle
* Envision Central Texas
